Degreed Professional?

[manaheim]

Oh and again... we're talking about being a photographer here... not an IT Management Executive... which... btw... I am. I manage an org of about 20 people supporting some 4,000 servers.

 

[spacefuzz]

I think its safe to assume if you get a business degree and go into self employed photography you will make less dumb business mistakes your first few years on the job.

 

[manaheim]

I think its safe to assume if you get a business degree and go into self employed photography you will make less dumb business mistakes your first few years on the job.

Making the further assumption that you're not an idiot and that the business degree focused on practical aspects of business vs. global economic theory? Yes. But those are three fairly large assumptions.

 

[vtf]

Most Bachelor degrees that are related to photography (or Studio Art) do not allow elective business coursework so you would have to take those on the side and they wouldn't apply towards the hours required for graduation. I really can't see getting a business degree to go into photography unless you are to start at executive level for a photography company.
I believe a degree in just photography is not enough. Although the specific training is very helpful I would go for a more broader degree such as Bachelors in Studio Art, Art History, etc (that include photography course work). These allow you to broaden your job opportunities if you don't start your own photography studio.
The photography field is saturated at the lower levels but with a degree you will have opportunities to start at higher levels in related fields such as advertising, graphic design, editing, video, etc.
If you have the opportunity to get a degree, get it and don't look back.

 

[KmH]

It really depends on the type of photography business a person is interested in persuing.

Someone wanting to be self employeed as a retail portrait photographer will gain little advantage with a photography degree because that business is more about personality than technical excellence, where as a lack of business acumen is far and away the reason the vast majority of retail photography businesses fail.

Someone wanting to be a staff photographer, or a commercial photographer could well benefit from having a photography degree.

It should also be noted that many professional photography associations offer certification programs, like: Certification Preparation Class | Professional Photographers of America

 

[SNBniko]

I'd go for a BS in Business with a minor in Communications. You will be dealing with people whether you like it or not, so you might as well learn how to do it properly. =)

Me? Chemical Engineering so I can afford my expensive hobbies. (horses, cars and cameras. I'm screwed)

 

[mishele]

There was a great thread awhile back that gave the incomes of your average photographer. It was very eye opening. I don't know if other people remember the thread. It gave you a good dose of reality. That is why going to college and having a back up plan is the right way to go, in my opinion.

 

[KmH]

That or being sure you're in that top 15% of professional photographers that make $50K a year or more.

The national photographer average income is about $32K a year.

About 15% of retail photography businesses are still in business at the end of year 5. The other 85% of retail photography business will have failed before the end of year 5, with the vast majority of those not making it past year 2.

The #1 reason retail photography businesses fail is insufficient revenue (not making enough money).

 

[Ron Evers]

I guess I am lucky I did not find employment in Photography after high school. I did get three interviews to become a staff industrial photog for a large corporation but lost out to a guy who later become the manager of the photography department of a Towers store.

I have read this thread with interest & relate to the different points of view as I have traveled the path so-to-speak. In my past, I have served on technical committies of both the Canadian & US National Research councils & worked with many PhD's & professors, however, I was there due to practical experience, not book learning. I often got mail directed to Dr. Evers as it was assumed to be my "rank" but the reality is I only have a Grade 12 technical education. If they only knew.

 

[Smitty91]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Very much apprecaited. I do have an AAS in Fire Protection Technology and a BS in Fire Protection Engineering Tech already. I really don't like the idea of going back to school but have seriously been thinking of upgrading my hobby to something more. One method is the get an Associates in Photography. I'm still on the fence about it. Although I mentioned course work in Biz Mgmt, I never really thought of a degree in that. Will have to look into that further.

I guess my original question was a bit unfair in that I don't think an education would necessairly hurt anyone. Even if one doesn't work in the field they were originally degreed in. I just wasn't sure if there was any greater success when someone can say "I have a degree in photography" much like being a "Certified" Professional Photographer. (different but similar subject).

In my profession, I wouldn't be where I am without my degree. Also, I am a Certified Fire Protection Specialist. I needed this certification in order to gain a promotion. I'm sure there is some correlation between degreed/certified professional incomes and those without a degree or certification. Howver, I know that this is not a hard and fast rule either. I'm sure there are many that are quite successful without having a degree or certification on their resume.

Again, thanks for the replies.

 

[shufti]

'Everyday' people didn't generally get to university, at the time when i left school. Maybe art college or the local tech. One benefit i get an impression of, seeing those that did/do, is the 'peer networks' accessed by doing so. That appears very useful later on and can open doors.